Among the mountains and plains of North Khorasan, the Sorna & Dhol duet echoes, bringing hearts closer. This authentic music, with its lively rhythms, embodies joy and love. The air is filled with the aroma of Esfand (Iranian Wild Rue), while red apples and pomegranates bring smiles to faces. Young and old alike join hands, delighting in catching pomegranates amidst laughter and joy. This scene is part of the Kurmanj wedding traditions in North Khorasan, a celebration that preserves ancient customs and local traditions.
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Weddings: Guardians of Kurmanji Culture
Traditional weddings and Kurmanj music are vital to preserving the cultural identity of the Kurmanj people. These ceremonies do more than maintain the Kurmanji language; they are a display of cultural authenticity. Weddings are a chance for the Kurmanj community to strengthen their cultural ties. Though today, weddings are typically a one-day event, in the past, they would last up to three days and nights. Below, we explore the engagement and wedding traditions among the Kurmanj of Khorasan.
Engagement Rituals and Shirini Khoran
Nomadic life by the mountains and rivers has given the Kurmanj people a pure and simple intimacy. In this nature-bound life, two young Kurmanj often develop a profound love for each other. Marriages are usually within the tribe, and emotions are expressed with simplicity yet passion. The formal engagement proposal involves the elders of both families. Women from the groom’s family visit the bride’s home to seek the family’s approval. Following this, a family dinner is arranged where the elders discuss the wedding ceremony details, including the dowry.
Shirini Khoran: Celebrating Engagement
Once the families agree, the Shirini Khoran ceremony takes place. This is when the woman’s family accepts the proposal and provides an engagement sweet tray to the groom’s family. It’s a joyful event where sweets are shared with relatives, similar to bonbonniere traditions. Sweets and chocolates are placed in a red cloth and delivered to invite the guests. During this event, the Sorna and Dhol play, and the Kurmanji dance begins. The groom’s family, carrying gifts, visits the bride’s home, continuing the celebration together.
Wedding Ceremony: From Dowry to Festive Gathering
Weddings usually take place after harvest season or when the nomadic tribes return. The bride’s dowry and traditional Kurmanji attire are meticulously prepared. On the wedding day, men and women gather in vibrant clothing. Local musicians and singers perform joyful songs, creating a spectacle with the synchronized movements of the dancers.
Bringing the Bride: A Highlight of the Ceremony
Taking the bride to the groom’s home marks a key moment in the wedding. The groom, riding a horse, heads towards the bride’s house, joined by a crowd dancing to the rhythm of the Sorna. The bride, wearing a beautiful dress with a red cloth covering her head, leaves her family home.
Arrival at the Groom’s House: A New Beginning
Upon arrival at the groom’s home, the bride stays on horseback until the groom’s father offers a gift. This gift often includes several sheep. After this ritual, the bride takes on her role in the household, symbolized by holding a ladle, marking the start of a simple life together.
This ceremony, rich in details, reflects the values and deep beliefs of the Kurmanj people. From their nomadic warmth to their respect for ancient traditions, each aspect of this ceremony is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of this community. Kurmanj weddings are a reflection of life amidst nature and the unity that arises from living close to the mountains and plains.
